Buffalo exchange perfect for college students on a budget
By Molly Bello
Comment Columnist
As a college student interested in fashion, it’s very difficult to satisfy the constant craving for new clothes on such a limited budget. Thrift stores are a great option, but still drain your wallet, albeit slower.
Buffalo Exchange is a thrift store that allows customers to purchase clothing/accessories in the shop, sell clothing, and trade old pieces for ones currently in the store.
According to their website, “Buffalo Exchange stores are located in the heart of progressive, urban neighborhoods, minimizing pollution, congestion, habitat loss and urban sprawl.”
The stores in Massachusetts are located in Allston MA and Somerville, MA. Both are within walking distance of the MBTA (B-Green line for Allston, and Red Line for Somerville).
The clothes are moderately priced: more expensive than Goodwill, but cheaper than retail stores. The stores have events with even further discounts.
Buffalo Exchange stresses the environmental benefits to reselling clothing. They have no manufacturing costs, and rescue clothes that would otherwise be thrown away (not for lack of quality, but change of preference).
One of their latest marketing efforts, becoming more popular with fashion retailers is a zine. A zine is part lookbook, part mini magazine about the company, and the latest trends.
One particular zine includes tips on shopping Buffalo Exchange. “Sport simple sandals or slip in shoes so you can try on shoes effortlessly,” it says. “Look for items we can resell quickly, you’ll get to hear the prices up front and we can answer any questions you may have!”
There are DIY tips, styling tips, Instagram photos, and articles are all included. The best part? It’s free.
Buffalo Exchange supports all sorts of local charities, and even has one of its own.
“Through our Tokens for Bags® program,” the website states, “Buffalo Exchange has raised nearly $550,000 for thousands of local nonprofit organizations since 1994, saving 10.9 million bags from polluting the environment. Shoppers are encouraged to accept a token instead of a bag for purchases, and Buffalo Exchange donates five cents to a charity of the customer’s choice.”
Currently, the company is hosting a Halloween competition. Shoppers are asked to come into the store and come up with the most creative Halloween costume. Upload a picture of the outfit to Instagram with #BXHalloween or upload it to their Facebook wall.
Check out their website http://www.buffaloexchange.com/ for all Buffalo Exchange has to offer. If you haven’t shopped resale yet, you’re missing out on saving a ton of money, and finding unique pieces to treasure and define your personal style.
Molly Bello is a Comment Columnist. Email her at m1bello@student.bridgew.edu
